Saturday, August 02, 2008

Sweet Potato and Chevre Bread

Sweet Potatoes are another of these confusingly named vegetables - it appears that these orange fleshed varieties are better known as Yams in the US and Kumara in New Zealand. Furthermore they are only distant relatives of both the potato and yam families.

Due to its orange colour, Sweet Potatoes are extremely high in Vitamin A as well as Vitamins B6, C, E, K, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin. They are also contain Calcium, Copper, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Pathothenic Acid and Zinc.

Some studies show that Sweet Potatoes have antioxidant properties and that it also helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body.

I've decided to use sweet potato in a savoury bread. I've taken inspiration from Liz Franklin and her book Quick Breads and what started out as a Carrot and Chilli Loaf as been well and truly mangled to obtain this variation.

Ground Nutmeg and Sage, both ingredients that are just made for Sweet Potato, have been added as well as a good amount of fresh goat cheese or Chévre as it provides a lovely contrasting tang. I've also baked these as mini loaves but it can easily be made as one large loaf if desired.

I'm making this bread for the second time since the post. It is absolutely fabulous! I am NOT a baker and my first batch turned out perfect. I used one loaf pan...this time...the mini pan is in the oven.